US Storms: Winter Tornadoes Lead To 'High Risk' Warning In Southern States As 18 Killed

Severe weather that spun off several thunderstorms and tornadoes during the weekend has killed at least 18 people in the southern states, wrecking havoc by destroying homes and causing extensive damage.

The hardest hit areas included Georgia and Mississippi which experienced storms throughout Saturday and Sunday. Continuing till Sunday night in some parts, the inclement weather phenomena extended into north Florida and South Carolina as well.

As the intense, fast-moving storms tore across Georgia over the weekend, at least 14 people were killed in the state Sunday. Violent storms continued even after nightfall, with at least one deadly tornado reported before dawn. Four people were killed Saturday in Mississippi when the system began to ramp up.

Early on Monday, wind and flood warnings remained in effect throughout Georgia as dangerous conditions persisted. An emergency was declared for seven counties in the south-central part of the state by Governor Nathan Deal.

"I urge all Georgians to exercise caution and vigilance in order to remain safe and prevent further loss of life or injuries," Deal reportedly said in a statement.

Bridgit Simmons, a resident of Albany in southwest Georgia reportedly said: "I was in the den and I heard that loud roar and I grabbed the baby and I said, 'Let's go guys. This is it.' We lay down and that was it. The wind was so loud you could hear it beating back and forth."

Authorities said at least 14 people died in south Georgia alone. Coroner Tim Purvis confirmed that seven people died in Cook County at a mobile home park in the small community of Adel. Sixty miles away from Simmons' home, a twister left a trail of destruction in a trailer park, killing seven people before dawn Sunday.

In Southern Mississippi, four people died in the path of a tornado with winds above 218 kilometers (136 miles) an hour and more than 50 others were injured, state officials reportedly said. About 480 homes were also damaged.

"A tornado hit a mobile home, picked it up and put it in the middle of Highway 122. I don't know if it rolled or was lifted, but it blocked the entire highway," Brooks County Coroner Michael Miller reportedly said.

The severe weather was said to last through Sunday night. Emergency management officials warned residents in New York to brace for winds of up to 70 miles per hour through Monday night, with several inches of rain. Flood advisories and watches were issued for four of the city's five boroughs.

"Tornadoes were vicious and powerful and strong, and they suffered greatly," President Donald Trump reportedly said during a White House ceremony where he was swearing in aides. "So we'll be helping out the state of Georgia." Trump also said Sunday he had spoken with Governor Deal and "expressed our sincere condolences for the lives taken."